Intro to drones part 2: How to choose your first drone

In this article, we'll discuss criteria to consider when buying a drone so that you can find the model that's right for you. We'll also make a few recommendations based on different use cases.

Note that this is the second in a three-part series. In Part 1, we reviewed drone basics such as technology and terminology. In Part 3, we'll cover what you need know in order to fly safely, as well as the difference between recreational and commercial flying.

Choosing the drone that's right for you

Before all else, consider how you plan to use your drone. Are you a selfie king or queen who wants to post pictures on social media, an adventurer looking for a unique shot, or a professional who demands the highest image quality?

Once you've answered that question it's time to start looking. That's a lot easier to do once you understand the range of options available, so let's dive in and look at features you should think about before buying a drone.

Size

Size is an important factor since it impacts portability and convenience. When it comes to 'Buy&Fly' drones, sizes range from models small enough to fit in a cargo pocket to those requiring a small backpack or case.*

There's some truth to the saying, "The best camera is the one you have with you," and it's true for drones as well. If having a drone with you at all times is of paramount importance, look for a very small model like the Hover Camera Passport that fits in a pocket or handbag. You may give up some high end features in exchange for convenience, but you'll be able to pull out your drone at a moment's notice.

The Autel Robotics X-Star Premium packs in a lot of premium features at a competitive price.

Compact drones, like the DJI Mavic and GoPro Karma, are the Goldilocks of the drone world, which explains their rapidly growing popularity. They provide features found in larger models while remaining small enough to be a good choice for activities like travel, hiking, or adventure sports.

Larger drones, such as the DJI Phantom series or the Autel Robotics X-Star Premium, will generally deliver the best specifications and often include some type of marquee feature such as a camera with a larger sensor, a removable camera, or even a hexacopter option. While they're usually feature-rich, they may require a dedicated pack or case for travel.

Camera

When it comes to flight, weight is paramount, so drones use cameras with smaller sensors (which require smaller lenses). However, there are important differences between models.

Some drones use very small sensors, similar to what you would find in a mobile phone. The Hover Camera mentioned above uses a 1/3.06" sensor, but that's part of what allows it to stay small. The most common sensors used in drones today are probably the 1/2.3" variety, also found in many consumer-oriented compact cameras. At the high end you can find 1"-type sensors similar to those in a premium compact camera, such as the Sony RX100 series.**

Shutter type is important as well: some models, like the DJI Phantom 4 Advanced, include a mechanical shutter that can eliminate rolling shutter artifacts when taking photos.

The camera on the DJI Phantom 4 Pro and Phantom 4 Advanced use a 1"-type sensor similar to what is found on premium compact cameras.

Finally, consider recording formats. Many drones can capture Raw images in addition to JPEGs, and 4K video is common as well. Video shooters take note: if high quality video is important to you, look beyond resolution and consider frame rates, bit rates, and codecs as there are differences.

Performance

Absolute performance when it comes to things like speed an maneuverability may be important if you want to shoot fast moving subjects like action sports or moving cars. If that's your use case, pay attention to specs like maximum speed, though be aware that on some models, flying at maximum speed can result in the drone's rotors creeping into the frame.

Most drones have a claimed battery life in the range of 15-30 minutes. In the real world you'll probably get something less than that, particularly because it's a good practice to land your drone with some battery power remaining. Altitude, ambient temperature and wind speed are the three largest factors in determining actual flight time.

Many drones claim to have long operating distances, sometimes in the range of several miles. Keep these claims in perspective. Operating range will depend on many factors, but you should have your drone in visual line of sight at all times, so it's unlikely you'll be flying that far anyway.

DJI Phantom 4 Pro batteries are rated for approximately 30 minutes of flight time, though in practice you'll probably get a bit less.

Transmitter type

Drones aimed at enthusiasts have dedicated controllers that provide a standard interface, allow for precise control, and usually have dedicated hardware buttons or switches for important functions. Dedicated controllers allow for longer range operation as well. If your goal is to shoot high quality photos or video, this is your best option.

Smartphone-only controls are common on mini or 'selfie' drones, and their range is measured in meters rather than kilometers. If you want to stash your drone in a pocket so you can pull it out for a family photo at the beach, this is a good option. Many drones are designed to react to gestures and hand signals as well, making the controller less critical for certain tasks.

Some models take a hybrid approach. For example, the DJI Spark is designed to work from your phone, but can optionally be paired with a controller for extended operation.

The DJI Spark can be controlled by gestures, a mobile device, or an optional dedicated controller.

Automated flight modes

Automated (or 'intelligent') flight modes can be tremendously helpful by handling some aspects of flight control while you focus on creative decisions. Many of these modes are almost standard features at this point. But do you need them?

If your primary focus is still photography, look for models that have dedicated photo modes for tasks like shooting panoramas or stitching together vertical shots. Camera controls such as manual exposure modes or auto exposure bracketing can also be useful.

For video, automated flight modes can make a world of difference, making it much easier to do things like tracking a subject. The smooth motion these modes provide can also make your footage look more cinematic.

Collision avoidance systems

Collision avoidance (or obstacle avoidance) is not a substitute for attentive piloting, but can be helpful avoid collisions with objects such as buildings. These systems can also be helpful if you need to navigate tight spaces. To learn more about how these work, refer to Part 1 of this series.

The most common variety of collision avoidance sensors are those that look forward in front of the drone, however some models have rear and side facing sensors as well. If you're nervous about running into something, look for a model with collision sensors. But remember, they are not infallible.

Sideways facing obstacle sensors on the Phantom 4 Pro.

Budget

Notice that this section is called 'budget' and not 'price', and that's an important distinction. You'll probably need to budget for at least some accessories.

At the top of the list are batteries, and there's a wide range of prices. For example, additional batteries for an Autel Robotics X-Star Premium cost $99, while batteries for a DJI Phantom 4 Advanced are closer to $170. Add two or three batteries and the costs add up quickly. Frequent flyers may also want a charging hub to keep those batteries topped up.

Other costs can include filters (ND or polarizers), micro SD cards, replacement parts like rotors, and for larger drones a carry case or backpack with inserts to support your model.

*For the purposes of this article, we're ignoring the dozens of very inexpensive (and practically disposable) micro-drones that are basically toys, nor are we addressing high end professional products aimed at commercial cinematography.

**If you want to go larger than 1"-type sensors, it's possible to get models with Micro Four Thirds cameras, or those that can carry a DSLR or cinema camera, but those are beyond the scope of this article.

This article should be called, "How to choose your second drone." The first drone should be one of the toy drones that dpreview decided to ignore. Buy the first drone to crash, and the second one to use. Ask any long time drone photographer how often they crashed and how much equipment they destroyed before they got good at it.

Two weeks of crashing a cheap drone like the BWhoop B03 or Sbego 127W will give a photographer valuable experience (and reflexes) that would take years to get from flying an expensive drone.

The BWhoop is under $20.00, has altitude hold, but no video. I just finished learning to fly on it and it was perfect for learning to fly indoors - very durable and safe. The Sbego is more expensive ($35.00), more difficult to learn because it does not have altitude hold, but has video. There are many more brands and models - you can pick and choose what size and features you want for under $40.00. Find a couple of good reviewers on youtube to help you make your choice.

While true, I do all my training for new pilots on Phantom 4 pro/advanced systems.

As you go up in size a few things change, and most of the modern features on these systems like GPS which are in themselves a saftey feature where, if you get nervous just let off the sticks and it stops. Return to home is also important if you lose sight of it and need to get it down.

I used to train on small hobby drones but I found that there was a lot of disconnect when people go into the drone they wanted to fly.

I think the Phantom 4 makes a lot of sense if someone is serious enough to take a class or pay for individual training. And the controls for a good video drone are definitely much different than for an under $50.00 toy drone. It takes a step up to the $90-$200 range to get GPS and return to home. Hubsan and MJX are two brands that have models in this price range.

I still think that, before going all in on a "first" drone, bashing around indoors for under $50 and then being a bit more serious outdoors for under $200 is one way to learn.

Very good article...I bought Syma X8HG (maybe it was a mistake for beginner?) I like big drone and red color because I am legally blind so big drone and color is easier for my eye. White color drone is hard to see with white cloud. I wanted small drone like DJI Mavic Pro but my eye cannot see small drone in the sky so that is why I went with Syma X8HG until I found I really like BangToy X21's awesome features like RTH or Follow me in case my eye can't find drone in the sky. Keep up good work!

So far so good, but in Part 3 will the article address wildlife photographers requirements such as Noise? Does not matter how good the drone is, if it scares the subject of the operator's photo/video-graphic desires away the drone becomes a waste of money.

I spent a few months looking into this and decided to get two Syma X5Cs without cameras for £50. Excellent choice. I am currently learning how to fly it and when I am proficient I will buy a real drone. It is like a bumper car, I have crashed it hard quite a few times and I am still on the first one. If you can handle one of these you know flying a real drone will be a breeze.

Walkera recently began shipments of its Vitus drone, inspired by the Mavic. Some independent reviews and video samples have begun to appear. For a bit less money, it seems to offer comparable spec, and even some enhancements (multi-direction collision avoidance). Worth some research and evaluation.

For such site, you didn't even touched on the topic image quality. I'm a Mavic owner. I feel that the Spark is a good first drone compared to the Mavic. The image quality is only crippled by the lower bit rate available on the Spark.

Whoever will make a 200 grams drone with 4K video and descent 3 axis stabilizer will get a good chunk of the market. Spark is still too heavy and camera features are limited... Besides geo-fencing is still there, which render the drone useless in many situations.

A 200 gram drone would have a very short battery life and have insufficient mass to stabilize against the slightest breeze. Such drones already exist. Some cost under $50. Fun to fly, but the camera output tends to be wobbly.

If anyone is looking for one let me know. I will be happy to get rid of mine for 1K. Paid 1300 and got three batteries. Still in excellent condition no crash no nothing wrong except for all the crazy updates. Phantom 4 if anyone want it. Why am I selling it? FAA is why I am selling it. Awesome product no doubt but can't really fly anywhere especially in cool places that you want to fly. With DJI updates to comply with FAA, people will be crazy to invest that kind of money. Who really needs a stinking pilot license...I am not here to get my airplane license...the test that covers aviation...WTH! Too much regulation and crap so I'm looking for a buyer. I take that 1k and get myself an OSMO, wearable stabilizer, and other cool gears that you can actually use without worrying about getting a pilot license to use OSMO or wearable stabilizer etc.

SFAIK, the FAA must license commercial operators only. Hobbyists with small drones must merely fly below a 400' ATG ceiling and avoid airspace near airports or DC. National Parks restrict use. Some towns have written ordinances. The broadest limitations conform to good sense: don't fly over crowds or interfere with public safety or emergency operations. Private property owners are more likely to balk, than the FAA, about cavalier drone use.

Excellent points. People need to do their homework, and try to get an idea of where the regulations will go in the near future before they get one. And when you get one, don't be a jerk with it. You're only hurting the sport.

Knowing where you can and can not fly legally is important; however, it's equally important to know how to actually "fly" a drone. I see too many people purchasing their first drone having no clue how to perform the necessary coordinated transmitter stick movements to fly a drone in a stable and controlled manner. I would highly recommend joining an RC flying club and receiving some training. New drone owners become way too comfortable with the flight stabilization and positioning systems. Electronics can glitch and things can go wrong, with the result being a destroyed drone due to the lack of piloting skills to fly a drone manually.

Electronics can glitch and things can go wrong, with the result being a destroyed drone due to the lack of piloting skills to fly a drone manually.

Hardly the most important aspect a destroyed drone because of incompetance and lack of knowledge, more worrying would be what it hit before it was destroyed.

Having recently had some unknown knobhead buzzing my back garden there are reasons for regulation and regulation that can be enforced as sadly to many stick a finger up to common sense with these things as with laser pens.

The Panasonic FZ1000 II is a worthy successor to the company's first large-sensor, long-zoom bridge camera, and a value-conscious rival to the popular Sony RX10-series. It's just as fast as its predecessor but produces nicer JPEGs, has significantly improved controls and interface, and more.

The Fujifilm X-T200 is a low-priced mirrorless camera with a stunning 3.5" display, easy-to-use touch interface, oversampled 4K video and the classic design X-series cameras are known for. Dive into our review to see how it ranks against its peers.

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